Nationalism is more oriented towards the development and maintenance of a national identity based on shared characteristics such as culture, language, ethnicity, religion, political objectives or belief in a common ancestor. Therefore, nationalism seeks to preserve the national culture. Often it also implies a sense of pride for the achievements of the nation, and is closely related to the concept of patriotism. In some cases, nationalism referred to the belief that a nation should be able to control the government and all means of production.
Fighting in Vietnam started in 1954 when technically France tried to reassert its colonial claims to Indochina, although Japan had claims as well. It was primarily a colonial beginning.
